Car strikes woman, seriously injuring her, in Clearlake

A 23-year-old Napa woman suffered major head injuries when she was struck by a car Wednesday night while walking on Highway 20 in Clearlake, the CHP said.

Laurel Johnson reportedly was walking east near Howard Avenue and wearing what the CHP described as a “camouflage dress” when she was struck by a 2006 Chevrolet driven by Gerald Stahr, 78, of Stonyford.

Stahr told officers he didn’t see Johnson walking in his lane at 7:40 p.m. until the last minute and, despite swerving, was unable to avoid hitting her. Johnson’s head struck the windshield and she rolled onto the road and under Stahr’s car, according to the CHP.

Johnson suffered head trauma and lacerations and was transported to a nearby hospital. The CHP did not say whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash nor provide her condition Thursday.

A preliminary investigation suggested that Johnson’s dark clothing and rainy conditions may have contributed to the crash, the CHP said.

You can reach Staff Writer Elizabeth M. Cosin at 521-5276 or elizabeth.cosin@pressdemocrat.com.